Vitality Walk returns to El Jebel in support of Parkinson’s disease

​​The second annual Vitality Walk is returning to Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel on Sept. 28, giving the Roaring Fork Valley community an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against Parkinson’s disease for a second straight year. The event, organized by the Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), raises vital funds that support individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their care partners and families throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

This year’s walk is already showing promise. So far, the El Jebel event has raised $14,100 of its $40,000 goal. When combined with four other walks held across the region, the 2024 Vitality Walk series has generated a total of $243,676, a figure that directly supports PAR’s programs.

PAR Executive Director Jodi Brown expressed her excitement to see the community rallying for a second year.

---

---

“It’s wonderful for us that this is the second straight year,” Brown said. “Last year, they crushed it for a first-year walk, raising $50,000 between sponsorships and registrations. That’s an incredible achievement for a community walk, and it just shows how much people here care about supporting the cause.”

The event offers participants several ways to get involved. Whether walking as an individual or part of a team, everyone is welcome to join. The best part? Participation in the walk is free, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

---

---

However, donations are strongly encouraged, and there are exciting incentives for those who fundraise. Participants who raise or donate $75 will receive a 2024 Vitality t-shirt, while those who collect $250 will also earn a gym bag. For every $500 raised, participants will be entered into a drawing to win a weekend stay in Silverthorne — a fun reward for making an impact.

“Raising these funds is essential for us to continue expanding the services we offer to the Parkinson’s community,” Brown said. “For us, events like these walks are the lifeblood of our organization.”

All of the funds raised at the Vitality Walk stay local, benefiting communities in both Colorado and Wyoming. PAR uses these funds to offer free services, including 80 weekly exercise classes, over 50 support groups, educational opportunities, and access to equipment loan programs. One of the most significant programs supported by the event is the “Chat with a Parkinson Pro” educational seminar, which was recently held in Glenwood Springs.

“Exercise is one of the few things proven to slow the progression of Parkinson’s,” Brown said. “That’s why our exercise programs are so critical. We also provide support groups that are invaluable to both those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These groups create a community where people can share experiences and get the support they need.”

Suzanne Stewart, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, played a pivotal role in bringing the Vitality Walk to the Roaring Fork Valley after participating in the Denver walk. Stewart emphasized how crucial these events are for raising awareness and fostering a sense of community for those living with Parkinson’s.

“Every year, the Parkinson’s community grows, and that’s not a good thing,” Stewart said. “Because of the growth of the disease, we need the continued and ongoing support from the community.”

The Vitality Walk in El Jebel is the fifth and final walk in PAR’s 2024 series, following similar events in Denver, Longmont, Pueblo, and Casper, Wyoming. The Denver event, held in June, kicks off the walking season each year and has become a staple in the Parkinson’s community over the past 22 years.

“We’ve been doing these walks in Denver for over two decades, and they’ve always been a success,” Brown said. “Expanding the event to other areas, like El Jebel, helps us reach even more people and continue offering the services that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The event isn’t just about raising money; it’s also about raising awareness and bringing people together. Brown noted that many participants walk in honor of a loved one affected by Parkinson’s, and the event fosters a spirit of community and shared purpose.

“For us, it’s not just about the dollars raised, although that’s important,” Brown said. “It’s about creating a community where people feel supported and empowered to face the challenges of Parkinson’s together.”

Those who want to take part in the El Jebel walk can register as individuals or teams by visiting parkinsonrockies.org/vitality. Participants can also register the day of the event. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m.

For those unable to attend, donations are still welcome, and every contribution goes directly toward making a difference for the Parkinson’s community in Colorado and Wyoming.

For those looking to participate in the walk or donate, online visit, parkinsonrockies.org/vitality.